GlobeNewsWire

Alberta’s largest worker advocacy organization applauds government action on Farm and Ranch worker health and safety

New rules underscore enhanced protections for Farm and Ranch workers across the province

EDMONTON, Alberta, June 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alberta’s largest worker advocacy organization applauds the government for taking action to protect agricultural workers under today’s announced Occupational Health and Safety regulations. On the heels of expanded WCB coverage to include farm and ranch workers, basic OHS safety standards, and new employment standards protections, these regulations mark one further step in protecting farm and ranch workers across the province.

“We will be giving these regulations a more thorough analysis in days to come,” said Gil McGowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour. “However, we are pleased to see the government taking long-overdue action to ensure farm and ranch workers are protected on the job by including them under the Occupational Health and Safety Code.”

Today’s regulations include a number of measures to promote agricultural worker safety, including new mandates for roll-over protection systems, requirements for new policies and procedures to keep workers safe, and clear rules on bonding and grounding during fueling.

While applauding today’s announcement, the Alberta Federation of Labour will continue to push for the full inclusion of farm workers under employment standards and occupational health and safety regulations.